Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The Gospel of today introduces us to the key aspects
of the mission of Jesus. He was often an itinerary missionary, moving through
towns and villages. He teaches the Truth, proclaims the kingdom, and heals
every disease and casts out demons. He does not rush anything; rather He takes
the time necessary to meet people where they are. Thus, Jesus teaches us the importance
of proximity in mission. He was able to see people’s confusion, the burdens
weighing them down. He looks at them
with compassion. This is the heart of his mission, a heart that sees and
responds appropriately.
From this compassion flows his Mission. Jesus says: “The harvest is plentiful, but the
laborers are few.” He sees people in search of hope, direction, and for
healing. He also sees the shortage of workers. Then he gives a request that
surprises us. He tells the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to
send laborers into his harvest. The harvest belongs to God. Yet he chooses
to involve his disciples through prayer. This invitation is to shape their heart
and desire. He prepares them to step forward. Prayer is the beginning of
mission.
What follows
shows the effect of this prayer. Jesus calls the twelve. He gives them
authority to heal and to drive out unclean spirits. He names them. He knows
each one. He sends them to the lost sheep of Israel and gives them a clear task:
to proclaim, to heal, to raise, to cleanse, and to free. What they received
from him; they must now give.
This movement
matters. Jesus sees.
Jesus feels compassion. Jesus asks for prayer. Jesus sends. The disciples who
prayed become the disciples who act. The Gospel shows no gap between prayer and
mission. One leads to the other.
This remains
true for us today. We often see the same crowds in different forms. People
suffering in silence. Families struggling every day. Young people search for
meaning and being exploited by “false pastors and prophets”. Elderly people
long for company. Many are on the edge of faith, looking for some light and
direction. They are the harvest that Jesus sees.
The Gospel
challenges us to respond with three attitudes.
First,
compassion. It is not about pitying
people. Compassion leads to actions, it stops to listens, and respects others.
Jesus did not judge the crowd. He shared their pain.
Second,
prayer. Prayer that places us before
God and makes us available. When we pray for laborers, we accept that God may
send us into places we did not expect. We share his concerns and projects. We are
in deep communion with Him and from this communion arises the desire for
mission.
Third,
action. Jesus asks the twelve to give freely what they received. We also received faith, mercy, and forgiveness. We
offer these through simple and concrete steps. Visit a sick neighbor. Call
someone who feels forgotten. Support someone who struggles. Offer patient and
compassionate words to a troubled friend. Pray with someone who asks for help.
These are real actions. They open space for God to act.
The Gospel
today is a pattern for our mission. Jesus sees, calls and sends on mission. He
invites us to share his compassion and to join his work.
Let us ask for the grace to respond. Lord of the
harvest, give us eyes that notice. Give us hearts that stay open. Give us
courage to go where you send us. Make us workers in your harvest. Amen.🙏🙏🙏
No comments:
Post a Comment